Czech PO/Alissa Weilerstein

[richardfinegold]

I was privileged to hear Semyon Bychkov lead the Czech PO in two Dvorak chestnuts, the Cello Concerto with Alissa Weilerstein, and the New World, in Orchestra Hall here in Chicago on a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon. Our seats were row F on the main floor, dead center with the Cellist, who has a gorgeous tone, and it was thrilling to be able to hear her float a pianissimo at the end of the second movement. It was also great to watch the interaction between her and the Concert Master in III in the episode relating to Dvorak’s sister in law. The New World was also well done, but this is the first time I have heard it played at a Concert where it felt anti climatic, due to the rapturous reception of the Cello Concerto.
The Czech PO has long been one of my favorite Orchestras. I have most of their Karel Ancerl led recordings and I have wondered if they still retained their special qualities. I was in Prague a few years ago but the Orchestra was not playing then and I felt deprived. The Orchestra is largely male and had Asian players. I wonder how they select their players. At any rate, despite the hackneyed program, it was hugely enjoyable

[Petrushka]

I had no idea until it was too late that the Czech PO and Bychkov had given a concert in Dukes Hall, the Royal Academy of Music in London last week. Had I known I'd have made the effort to have attended.

[richardfinegold]

As we were leaving the Concert Hall last night, we suddenly realized that we have tickets for the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday. It’s getting hard to keep track of everything in my dotage.

[Pulcinella]

I had no idea until it was too late that the Czech PO and Bychkov had given a concert in Dukes Hall, the Royal Academy of Music in London last week. Had I known I'd have made the effort to have attended.

You know that it was broadcast, I assume?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000tqt

[bluestateprommer]

As we were leaving the Concert Hall last night, we suddenly realized that we have tickets for the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday. It’s getting hard to keep track of everything in my dotage.

Did you see Barenboim's "return of the prodigal conductor" concert with the CSO last weekend? There's also the WEDO concert this week. Nice that you got to see the Czech Phil and SB.

[richardfinegold]

Did you see Barenboim's "return of the prodigal conductor" concert with the CSO last weekend? There's also the WEDO concert this week. Nice that you got to see the Czech Phil and SB.

It must have been Czech weekend here. DB indeed was here with the CSO performing Ma Vlast. I have to admit this didn't quicken my pulse with anticipation and I haven't seen any reviews, but hearing the CSO play these colorful pieces would have been interesting, regardless of who is waving the baton. They tend to replay the concerts on Sunday radio after a few months so I will be watching for that

[Barbirollians]

It must have been Czech weekend here. DB indeed was here with the CSO performing Ma Vlast. I have to admit this didn't quicken my pulse with anticipation and I haven't seen any reviews, but hearing the CSO play these colorful pieces would have been interesting, regardless of who is waving the baton. They tend to replay the concerts on Sunday radio after a few months so I will be watching for that

I suspect this is their cash cow programme especially with Alisa W. They played it in Manchester in February with Netopil conducting.